| we will be
adding a new lecture on wolf-human interactions to all seminar
programs. This lecture is mandatory for all participants, including
those who have been in with the wolves before. |
| Special One Day Photography Seminars |
Click Here to Sign Up!
Wolf Park wolves are not only well socialized and accustomed to
greeting visitors, but they are also well versed and experienced as
models. Monty Sloan, Wolf Park's Staff Photographer, has been
photographing the Wolf Park wolves since they were infants. They
know and enjoy having their photos taken (photos mean treats and
the wolves love treats!)
The photo seminars are held in March and early April, and through
much of the Fall when the wolves look their best, but are not too
intense for meeting new people. Most dates coincide with when
the
Park is
closed so participants
will have the pack all to themselves!
Due to the popularity of the photo sessions, dates can fill up
fast. However, if there is enough interest, additional photo shoots
and seminars may be added to our schedule. If you would like to be
put on a waiting list please email Monty at:
Monty@wolfpark.org
The photo seminars are open to all folks over 18 years of age, from
rank amateur to seasoned professional, who are in good physical
shape (there is a fair amount of walking involved). All you need is
a camera and a love for wolves!
IMPORTANT
NOTICE!
Due to some changes in our programs, we will be adding a new
lecture on wolf-human interactions to all seminar programs. This
lecture is mandatory for all participants, including those who have
been in with the wolves before.
Monty's lecture on photographing the wolves will begin at 9:30 am.
Pat's MANDATORY lecture begins at 11:00 am. For the full day photo
programs, the mandatory lecture starts at 9:30 am and we go in with
the wolves about 10:45 am. Please note: our part of Indiana is now
on Eastern time.
March 1
March 22
March 29
April 12
April 26
October 6
October 19
November 3
November 24
December 6FULL!
2008 Full Day Photo Sessions
March 10, 2008
April 5, 2008FULL!
October 20, 2008
November 17, 2008
NEW FULL DAY PHOTO SHOOT PROGRAMS
These photo shoots will be similar to the seminars, but without Monty's Lecture. Instead, we will have that time set aside for even more wolf photography. This program is designed for those who have previously taken a seminar, or already feel comfortable around a camera. The day will start at 9:30with a MANDATORY lecture by Pat Goodmann on how to act around the wolves. Those who are late and HAVE NOT taken this program within the past year will NOT BE ALLOWED IN WITH THE WOLVES. IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO BE HERE BY 9:30 AM
Following PATS MANDATORY LECTURE AT 9:30 AM EASTERN TIME, we will go in with the main pack for about 90 minutes. After that we will take a break for lunch. After lunch, or if the weather is cloudy or it looks like we might lose light by 5:00, we might skip lunch, anyway, after lunch, or a snack, we will go in with wolves of our choice at Eastlake. The choice is actually quite limited as not all the Eastlake folks like visitors, but there are a few we can go in with. If folks want to, can also go in with the foxes. After another break of about 20 minutes or so to warm back up, we can finish off the day back with the main pack over on the Eastlake side of their enclosure. It will be quite a full day. Remember it may be very cold so dress in layers. Bring lots of batteries, cards, and film if you are still shooting that stuff ;-)
The fee is $250.00 for the full day photo
shoot.
Dates are subject to change due to weather, like impassable blizzards or tornados or other unforseen circumstances.
Wally Jarratt's Seminar Photos
Scott Mineart's Seminar Photos
Kristin Bostick's Wolf Photography Seminar Photos
Gary Borland's Wolf Park Photos
Linda's Wolf Park Photos
Galen's trip to Wolf Park
Shari's Wolf Pup Photo Session and Main Pack Photographs
Price for program is $175.00*
(check made out to Wolf Park or Visa/MasterCard accepted)
To sign up for the course, you can use ouron-line payment option or use our
snail mail registration form
and send a check made out to Wolf Park to:
Photo Seminar
Wolf Park
Battle Ground, IN 47920
or call 765-567-2265 M-F 9-5pm EST with Credit Card in
hand
*Important:refund policy
No refunds are given, unless we cancel due to weather or problems on our end.
Program consists of lectures about wildlife photography as well as the opportunity to photograph the wolves of Wolf Park*
|
For
examples of photos taken by a seminar participant - check
out: |
For photo related questions contact
Monty Sloan Staff Photographer/Wolf Park (765) 567-2343
or write to
Wolf
Park
Battle Ground, Indiana 47920
Bring a flash if you have one, the wolves won't mind. Bring two cameras if you have a second body so you won't have to change lenses in the wolf pen.
For those still shooting film, I recommend bringing a variety of speeds. The weather (and lighting conditions)can vary greatly. Anything from 100 speed to 400 speed is good and if it is an overcast day, you may want to carry some 800 speed film. I guess if I had to choose a favorite film and speed for photographing the wolves, I would chose and ISO of 200. Of course if you are shooting digital, you can easily chose which ISO to use on the fly.
Tripods for shooting inside the pen arenot recommended. Some of the wolves like to chew on these. It may not be possible at all to bring in tripods for the younger wolves may not leave you and your tripod alone. We do not want any camera equipment pulled down and devoured ;-). Aside from the wolves, tripods will make it very difficult to move about the enclosure. The wolves tend not to hold very still and keeping up with them in their large enclosure while lugging a big tripod along is not much fun at all. We do a fair amount of moving around during the program.
For the safety of the wolves and participants, under no circumstances may participants bring in camera bags, backpacks, reflective umbrellas or tripods covered in foam or similarly enticing material that the wolves will insist on chewing. However metal monopods may be OK with the wolves, but because of the young wolves, even monopods may have to stay outside.
The program will consist of a 90 minute lecture and slide show about wolves and photographing wolves in a pack setting. Technical information about photography with an emphasis on how to photograph wolves, as well as tips and techniques will be the focus of the lecture. Following Monty's program there will be a one hour lecture by Pat Goodmann, the primary wolf caretaker and research associate at the Park. She will cover basic protocols on how to behave while in with the wolves.
From 12:30 until 2:00 pm there will be a break for lunch. From 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm we will have the opportunity to enter the main wolf enclosure which is home to our main pack of wolves living on 6.75 acres. The number of wolves we have also varies, but currently there are 6 wolves in the pack.
Weather might cause us to go in with the wolves early and skip lunch, or if severe enough, cause a cancellation. However, to date we have yet to cancel a seminar. Photographing the wolves in a heavy snow storm is quite possible, especially for the March programs, if participants can make it out to the Park. Photographing in a light rain can lead to some fantastic photos, however if there is a steady heavy rain, the photo opportunities will be limited. Cameras and lenses do not do well if soaking wet and the wolves would not be good with umbrellas. Postponement to another day or to the following week might be necessary. Again, we have never had to do this as even on very rainy days, there have been enough breaks in the rain that we were able to go in with the pack and take fantastic photos. Personally, I prefer rain to sun! For those curious about the choice of photo seminar dates only being on Saturdays in the Spring and Mondays in the Fall:
In the Fall, Monday is best because that is the day we are closed to the general public. In March we are closed anyway so I have chosen Saturdays which makes it easier for people to get away from work. In April we are open on the weekends, but we do not do any special programs that month and there are no conflicts with the seminar. Photo Seminars are only held in Spring and Fall for good reason. From late December through February the rise in seasonal aggression levels in the pack makes it more problematic to bring strangers in with the wolves. In January and February we do not allow any visitors in with the pack for safety reasons. So, for the safety of both our visitors and the wolves, we have opted to not do seminars when aggression levels are at their highest. As for summer photo opportunities, there are two problems. First, the wolves are not active in hot weather. From a photographic standpoint, it is far better to have a blizzard than a nice warm sunny day. The wolves just want to sleep when it is hot and sunny out, but if it is snowing or raining, they are very, very active and present visitors with spectacular photographic opportunities. In the summer, the wolves often just sleep through the day and are nearly impossible to arouse for any length of time. Second, they also shed those beautiful winter coats in May and do not regrow them until the Fall. Given the choice of photographing fluffy active wolves, or virtually furless sleepy wolves, I'd pick the fluffy ones any day ;-)
Restrictions will apply
*Participants 18 and older, have the opportunity to enter the enclosure to photograph the wolves. To go in you must be able-bodied, willing and able to obey safety instructions, wear long pants and closed toed shoes, no perfume, cologne or strong smelling substances, no earrings or piercing. Well, tongue studs are OK as long as you do not attempt to lick any of the wolves ;-) A tight-fitting, light-weight jacket is recommend as well as clothing which can get dirty or torn since the wolves are likely to jump up on people and the pups will most likely grab at clothing. For the March seminars we highly recommend very warm clothing. The only complaint we receive is that it is COLD in the enclosure, especially on those photo seminars when the wind chill approaches zero degrees. If you dress for that kind of weather, you will be fine. If you do not dress for it, well, you will be quite cold. Leather jackets or clothing with loose dangling things like fringe, are not allowed. We can't allow people who are wearing leather in for the wolves may perceive them as a giant raw hide chew toy. Also, billowy clothing and material which is fun to chew on such as Polar Fleece, is not allowed for some of the wolves may pull on and aerate these. Denim jackets, Carharts, sweatshirts and the like are your best clothing choice. Remember, the wolves will most likely get you muddy! Wolf Park, Staff and employees are not responsible for loss or damage done to equipment or any injuries which may be inflicted by any of the animals, or the weather.
|
Click Here for Information on our 3 and 5 Day
Seminars |
Wolf
Park - Battle Ground, IN 47920
Phone:
(765) 567-2265 Fax: (765) 567-4299
E-Mail
Wolf
Park
Unless otherwise noted, all images ©
Monty
Sloan/Wolf
Park
Web page © 2000, 2001, 2002 Monty Sloan / Wolf Park
Last revised: Friday, November 01, 2002